By Katie Flannery | Updated May 31, 2022 3:52 PM

Cleaning a driveway with high-pressure water can remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, oil, and salt from the surface. Driveway pressure washing is recommended to keep the surface in good shape and improve the curb appeal of the home. If the area is heavily soiled with oil and grease, a cleaning solution may be added to the pressure washing machine to ensure the removal. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, the cost to pressure wash a driveway ranges from $100 to $500, with homeowners spending an average of $258. If sidewalks are added to the job, it can tack on $50 to $100 to the overall price. The typical cost to pressure wash driveways, sidewalks, patios, and walkways is $0.20 to $0.40 per square foot. The overall price depends on the size of the driveway, the driveway material, and how much time it takes to clean it. Labor can cost from $25 to $100 per hour, with more complex jobs costing more.

Some people use the terms “pressure washing” and “power washing” interchangeably, but they mean two different things. Pressure washing involves using high-pressure cold water to clean a driveway, house, patio, sidewalks, and walkways. Power washing uses pressurized hot water to clean outdoor surfaces, and it’s thought of as more effective than cold water when cleaning grease, oil, and salt from driveway surfaces. Power wash driveway services are typically more expensive than pressure washing services.

The overall cost to pressure wash a driveway in your area depends on several factors, including labor costs and driveway size, material, and condition.

The typical price to pressure wash a driveway runs from $0.20 to $0.40 per square foot. The larger the driveway, the more it will cost to clean it. Some pressure washing companies will have a base fee for specific sizes of driveways and will charge by the square foot beyond that size. If you have a small area that needs to be cleaned, keep in mind that some companies have a minimum charge for pressure washing services. Many professionals will come to your home to determine the size of the project before offering an estimate.

The process of pressure washing a driveway depends on the surface material. Each type of driveway has its own cleaning process and considerations. The price ranges and cleaning details are covered in a section below.

Depending on the condition of the driveway, additional materials may be needed for pressure washing. Cleaning solutions, surface repair products, degreasers, fuel emissions solvents, and weed and mold removers are the most common supplies that are used. If the driveway is in poor condition, pressure washing may further damage the surface. In that case, repairs will be needed, which will add to the overall cost. Dirty driveway?An expert can help with that. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from pressure washing and power washing services near you. Find a Pro +

Pressure washing companies typically charge between $25 and $100 per hour. If you decide to add other pressure washing tasks, such as house pressure washing, labor may cost more if the job requires climbing or includes access to hard-to-reach areas.

When budgeting for the cost to pressure wash a driveway, it’s helpful to know about any additional costs and considerations that can increase the overall price. These can include preparation, driveway sealing, and any additional pressure washing services.

How long it takes to pressure wash a driveway depends on how much prep work needs to be done. Removing surface dirt and grime with a broom is the first step in preparing the surface for pressure washing. If a degreaser is needed, it is applied to the surface and a deck brush is used to work it into the material. Treating stains and removing weeds from cracks or between bricks or pavers can increase the overall labor cost of the job.

Sealing a driveway after pressure washing isn’t necessary, but many homeowners opt for this final step to keep their driveway looking clean. The cost to seal a driveway runs from $250 to $768, including labor and materials. The final cost depends on the driveway surface material and the size of the driveway. Once the driveway is completely dry, the sealant can be applied and the driveway can be used after 24 hours.

Although you may be wondering, “How much to pressure wash a house?” many homeowners choose to have additional areas pressure washed at the same time as the driveway. Pressure wash house costs run from $0.10 to $0.50 per square foot. If you decide to power wash with hot water, that can cost from $0.15 to $0.75 per square foot. Here are some other areas around the house that are commonly cleaned with pressure washing.

Maybe it's time to clean your home's exteriorAn expert can help with that. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from pressure washing and power washing services near you. Find a Pro +

Different types of driveways have individual cleaning methods and pricing. Some surface materials, such as gravel and asphalt, are more delicate than others and require less pressure than other types that can handle higher pressure, such as concrete.

Pressure washing a concrete driveway runs from $130 to $190. Porous materials like concrete need a tremendous amount of pressure to remove any debris and dirt from the surface. The area is left to soak, and a cleaning agent is used to help remove dirt and grime. After pressure washing, a sealant is usually applied to lengthen the life of the driveway and keep it looking cleaner for longer.

Asphalt driveways cost between $135 and $180 to pressure wash. Asphalt requires lower pressure and a cleaning-solution soak before washing. It’s common for a pressure washing company to use a ball valve with a swivel to clean an asphalt driveway, since using a pressure washing gun can be too much pressure for the material and cause it to break apart.

Pressure washing a brick driveway costs from $155 to $190. Brick can be pressure washed as long as the individual bricks are not sealed or connected with gravel or sand. The cleaning process involves soaking the bricks with water, treating them with a cleaning detergent, and using a high-pressure nozzle to clean the bricks. Sealants are available to add to the surface to preserve the material.

The average cost to pressure wash a paver driveway is $155 to $190. If the pavers are held in place like a brick driveway, the cleaning process is the same. If the pavers are surrounded by any type of loose material, lower pressure is used to prevent it from washing away.

Pressure washing a gravel driveway ranges from $175 to $225. This material can be cleaned by using lower pressure while holding the nozzle closer to the gravel or high pressure while holding the nozzle farther away. Shifting and moving the gravel during cleaning will require resetting the entire driveway.

Pressure washing a driveway is a fast and easy way to keep the surface clean, improve the curb appeal of your home, and prolong the life of the driveway. Pressure washing is a great way to remove stains caused by oil and grease, eliminate weeds, remove mold and mildew, and ensure a clean surface before sealing.

Removing excessive dirt from a driveway surface will discourage weeds from growing and causing cracks in the surface. Cleaning away oil, grease, or fuel stains improves the overall appearance and makes the driveway look like new.

Stained driveway?An expert can help with that. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from pressure washing and power washing services near you. Find a Pro +

Pressure washing can remove mold, mildew, and other allergens from an outdoor area that friends and family members frequently use. Getting rid of mold and mildew can also increase safety by eliminating slippery areas on a driveway’s surface.

Before sealing a driveway, it needs to be cleaned to ensure the proper adhesion of the sealant. A sealant can extend the life of the driveway, keep it clean, and improve the overall value.

Your driveway is a high-traffic area that is often exposed to extreme temperatures. Regular maintenance, including pressure washing, can prolong its life and increase the curb appeal of your home.

The overall curb appeal of your home affects the property value. Showing that you put the effort into maintaining your driveway makes a positive impression for potential buyers if and when you decide to sell your home.

Routine pressure washing can extend the life of the driveway by cleaning away dirt, debris, and stains caused by oil, grease, or fuel. These substances can eat away at the surface and cause extensive damage that can lead to costly repairs.

Pressure washing can eliminate slick surfaces caused by oil or mold and mildew growth. A clean driveway decreases the chance that friends or family members will slip in the driveway and get injured.

Pressure washing a driveway yourself using one of the best pressure washers can save on labor costs, but keep in mind that renting a pressure washer can cost from $35 to $175 per day and buying one of the best gas pressure washers or best electric pressure washers can range from $100 to $1,000. Pressure washing a driveway is a fairly straightforward job, but be aware that it has some hazards and risks involved. An inexperienced DIYer can easily use too much pressure and damage the surface of a driveway, which can cause costly repairs. Wearing the correct protective gear, such as goggles, closed-toe shoes, long sleeves, and pants, is important to keep safe from injury. Hiring a professional who has the experience working with pressure washing equipment and the knowledge regarding the proper cleaning techniques for varying driveway surfaces provides peace of mind that the job will be done right.

Don't do the dirty work yourselfGet free, no-commitment project estimates from pressure washing and power washing services near you. Find a Pro +

Budgeting for pressure washing driveway services can be daunting, and the additional fees associated with the job can quickly add up. One way to save money would be to hire the cheapest professional you can find, but there are other ways to save without compromising on quality.

Asking a pressure washing professional the right questions about pressure washing a driveway can minimize miscommunication and maximize savings. Here are some questions to ask your pressure washing pro.

Staying within your budget for pressure washing a house or driveway can be a bit of a challenge. Here are some commonly asked questions about pressure washing a driveway to help you hire the best professional for the job.

Yes. Concrete can be damaged by a power washer or pressure washer if the pressure is too high, the concrete is less than a year old, or if the concrete is power washed more than once a year. A professional can help ensure the correct pressure is used to minimize damage.

They both use highly pressurized water to clean, but a power washer uses hot water while a pressure washer doesn’t.

It typically takes about 30 minutes to pressure wash a driveway, depending on the size. If the driveway can accommodate two or more vehicles or is extra long, it will take more time. Using one of the best pressure washer surface cleaners may shorten the time it takes to pressure wash a driveway.

On average, it takes about 30 minutes to pressure wash 1,200 to 1,500 square feet. If gum removal is involved, it will take longer.

It’s not necessary, but sealing after pressure washing can prevent stains from oil, grease, dirt, and mold, and it can prevent erosion over time.

Applying a cleaning solution or degreaser to the surface of the driveway can help get rid of stains. The solution should be scrubbed into the surface with a deck brush or stiff broom before pressure washing.

Sources: HomeAdvisor, Angi, HomeGuide, Fixr

Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Copyright © 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved.